Touring historical drama part of theatre's programme for renewal

A visiting show featuring an infamous chapter of southern
history is part of a rejuvenation of Mosgiel's Fire Station
Community Theatre.

Taieri Dramatic Society secretary Evelyn Mann said tickets
were available for a one-off performance on March 25 of Too
Far From Heaven.

The play tells the story of the night before the execution of
two Southlanders; ''baby farmer'' Minnie Dean, of Winton, and
Victor Spencer, of Bluff, shot for desertion in World War 1.

Ms Mann, of Mosgiel, said the society wanted to rejuvenate
the theatre, both with more visiting shows, and more locally
produced theatre.

''We're trying really hard to lift the profile of the
theatre. It's dropped away over some years.

''We don't have a lot [of shows], but we're starting to build
up again.''

Ms Mann believed this month's show, brought by Arts On Tour
NZ Trust, would interest people, as the two stories were part
of the region's history. She said the play would be quite
serious, giving an insight into the subjects' respective
decisions, based on their real-life diaries.

The play was written by Angela Newell, Jade Gillies and
Lizzie Dawson.